Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D4s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D4s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1Ds is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D4s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 1Ds were released 2002 and Nikon D4s was released 2014. That is a 12 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 1Ds 2002
Nikon D4s 2014

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Even though the camera sensors might be called differently they are both considered Full frame which means that the focal length of the lenses is not affected. There is no crop factor on any of these cameras and sensors.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS 1Ds 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D4s 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 1Ds has a 11 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4s has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Canon EOS 1Ds 11 MP
10989056 pixels
4064 x 2704
Nikon D4s 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

Nikon D4s has a 47 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 1Ds. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D4s has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1Ds. Nikon D4s has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Canon EOS 1Ds has 50 to 1250.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 1Ds 50-1250
Nikon D4s 100-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1Ds
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1Ds 3
Nikon D4s 11

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D4s. Sadly, the Canon EOS 1Ds does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 1Ds weighs 1585 gr (equal to 3.49 lb) which is 17% heavier than Nikon D4s and its 1350 gr (or 2.98 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 1Ds 1585 gr
3.49 lb
Nikon D4s 1350 gr
2.98 lb

Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D4s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D4s, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Name Canon EOS 1Ds Nikon D4s
Manufacturer Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Release Year 2002 2014
Release Date 2002-09-24 2014-02-25
MSRP 7499 USD 6499 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4064 x 2704 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 11 MP 16 MP
Image Processor DIGIC EXPEED 4
Image
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
ISO Range 50 - 1250 100 - 25600
White Balance Presets 8 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 45 51
Lens Mount Canon EF

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2” 3.2”
Screen dots 120000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A TFT LCD with brightness and color adjustment
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Frames per second 3 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
XQD
Connectivity
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless No Yes
Optional via WT-5A or WT-4A
Remote Control Yes (N3 connector, Remote switch RS-60 E3)
Yes (wired or wireless)
GPS No Yes
Optional via GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Canon EOS 1Ds
Nikon D4s
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Ni-MH Pack NP-E3
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 3020 shots
Width 156 mm 160 mm
Height 158 mm 157 mm
Depth 80 mm 91 mm
Weight 1585 gram 1350 gram